Ruins, Rescue, and Beach Combo Tour

On this comprehensive Colon tour, you'll be whisked away to the historic port town of Portobelo and other noteworthy destinations. Book now for an incredible and informative Panama experience at a low price.

First, on your Colon tour is the mysterious El Cristo Negro (Black Christ) statue. Housed in the Iglesia de San Felipe church, this life-sized statue found on the town's shores in the 17th century is praised year-round. It is most prominently celebrated on October 21, during the Festival of the Black Christ.

Next, your knowledgeable guide will share the historic Customs House and San Jeronimo Fort. Centuries-old coins, cannonballs, and Spanish documents will be on display. It's on to the medieval Portobelo Ruins, left by the Spanish Empire and destroyed by Sir Henry Morgan in 1739. Then, you're off to the tropical grounds of a rescue clinic and zoo, located near a beautiful beach.

Created by animal lovers, the zoo showcases dozens of native healthy birds, butterflies, and animals, nursing other unfortunate animals back to health.

The zoo employs their motto: "Saving one animal will not change the world, but the world will change for that one animal".Led by college graduates who've specialized in plant or animal studies, the professional tour guides provide both insight and unbelievable access to the birds, monkeys, butterflies, sloths, and more.

For instance, the walk through aviary is over 100 feet long with 26 bird species, including spectacled owls, yellow (green and red) fronted parrots, scarlet macaws, peacocks, and keel-billed toucans. You have the unique opportunity to interact with the birds here, unlike many typical zoos.

Upon entering the butterfly enclosure, you'll encounter hundreds of spectacularly colored tropical butterflies living in their lush natural habitat. This is a truly treasured experience.

The animal clinic features animals in varied stages of care. The National Environmental Authority often brings animals to the rescue clinic. You'll see some animals quarantined for observation, others rehabilitating injuries, and yet some who've returned to health, but are deemed unable to adapt to the wild, remaining in care.

Commemorate your Colon tour at the gift shop, where purchases help cover expenses for animal care. The tour concludes with a visit to a nearby beach, home to a relaxing beach resort. This adventurous Colon tour includes a delicious Caribbean meal with one non-alcoholic beverage. A vegetarian option is available. Book today to complement your next great vacation.

Shore Excursion Size

Small

Shore Excursion Type

Cultural, Scenic, Water/Beach

Shore Excursion Duration

5 Hours 30 Minutes

Activity Level

Moderate

Shore Excursion Leaves From

The Cruise Pier Area. (Full details will be provided in your electronic ticket upon confirmation.)

Food/Beverage Provided

A delicious Caribbean meal and a non-alcoholic beverage is included. A vegetarian option is available.

Recommended Dress

We recommend wearing your bathing suit under comfortable clothing and beach wear. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat is suggested.

Restrictions

A collapsible wheelchair may be accommodated with advanced notice. The walkways within the zoo and rescue center are paved, and there are ramps for both wheelchairs and strollers. There is a small gravel walkway from the beach area to the restaurant area. There are some optional stairs within the zoo that lead to a viewing platform, but they are not necessary to view the enclosure.

Reviewer: Paul PeelOur guide/driver owns the Rescue and he was very informative about the rescue, Panama, and his life in Panama. He built the rescue and he and his family recover hurt and damaged animals and birds; It was very interesting. After two historical visits we landed at a beachside restaurant with excellent food and great views ... a perfect end to a great day!

Independence Day in PanamaDecember 11, 2017

Reviewer: Bruce SpaldingOutstanding tour with the owner of the animal rescue center. Meal and Zoo were great. Guide and driver kept our interest and did a fine job of avoiding traffic jams on Independence Day. We would do the excursion again!

Nice Day Trip in PanamaNovember 09, 2016

Reviewer: Steve & Dodie UhlWe really enjoyed the excursion! The zoo was very interesting and the ruins in Portobello were neat! Very nice lunch at a relaxing beach and all in all a great day!

Ruins, Rescue, and Beach Combo TourMarch 02, 2016

Reviewer: TrippThis tour was not designed properly BUT the tour guide was fabulous and customized everything we could see in the short time we spent with him. He was very accommodating. We went to the Panama Canal, saw a ship pass through and saw the site of construction for the new canal. This is a must see. On our way to the zoo/rescue center we stopped at the local supermarket. It was very interesting to see how american it was. We never expected this and very glad we made this unscheduled stop. The rescue center was very interesting and a great photo opportunity. The Tucan seemed as if he was posing for us.